Whether you want to land your first ever double-figure carp or winkle out a silverfish every drop on the float, the Old Lake at Lovells Lakes can cater for your needs.
Located to the north of Peterborough, the popularity of this two-lake complex continues to climb, with its versatility being one of the reasons it is rated so highly.
Features are scattered throughout this mature and scenic lake, with marginal reeds, overhanging trees and numerous lily beds spread around the water, making for some very interesting fishing!
Depths vary quite drastically, with anything from 4ft to 15ft available, depending on where you set out your stall.
The fish are well spread out at this time of year but, as is the case on any lake, there are hotspots that can deliver more than you bargained for. A stalking approach can result in some amazing old carp, too!
How to fish it - Stu Redman
“A lot of different tactics score on this lake, but I often rely on three approaches that help me catch everything that’s stocked. A short pole or whip with maggots over groundbait is all that you need to catch the roach and rudd. There are stacks of hand-sized fish to go at, but don’t be surprised if you net something substantial, as rudd up to 2lb are present.
“Rod-and-line tactics are pretty much essential for the carp, and the pellet waggler with 8mm pellets will continue to work for a few weeks yet. A Method feeder is equally good, and if you want to be selective and try to find the 10lb-20lb carp, pack a PVA bag with 4mm or 6mm pellets and crushed boilies and present a bright pop-up or wafter hookbait alongside it.”
Bites galore
Many juniors get hooked on angling on the Old Lake because of the almost immediate action with roach and rudd. Every swim has an abundance of both species, and maggots over groundbait will get you a bite every drop-in. If you fancy trying to be a little more selective and finding the bigger roach, which run to just over 1lb, feed hemp regularly and pinch a large grain on to the hook.
Underwater features
Pegs 16 to 19 have a solid track record of producing the bigger fish. Carp to over 20lb are stocked, and the gravel bar found reasonably close in on these swims is a patrol route for them. Conservative feeding is the key, using a small PVA bag alongside a wafter or a Method feeder. This works because the fish are likely to be close-by from the off, and the less food they have when they glide past, the more chance there is of them snaffling your hookbait.
Target the far bank
The far bank opposite pegs 8 to 10 isn’t pegged, and the carp take advantage of this and linger close to the marginal cover. Fishing a Method feeder or a straight lead and PVA bag across can produce the lake’s biggest residents that are trying to avoid the commotion elsewhere. Start by casting a couple of metres short, but if you don’t get any bites, push tighter to the bank to land your rig in slightly shallower water.
The Point
Peg 1 is on a point facing down to the end of the lake where there are no pegs. With features in every direction, it’s easy to see why this area is a magnet for the carp! Fish either a pellet waggler or Method feeder to the reeds on the end bank. You must start cranking the reel the moment you set the hook to steer hooked fish away from the snags, otherwise your prize could be lost within seconds.
Venue factfile
Location: Lovells Lakes, Stamford Road, West Deeping, Lincs, PE6 9JA
Contact: 07514 506885
Prices: Adults £10 a day, concessions £8. Book your ticket in advance here
Rules: No nuts, boilies in moderation, under-16s must be accompanied by an adult
Facilities: Parking, disabled access, toilets
